Description of Fixed Inductors

Fixed inductors represent a category of inductors distinguished by their physical construction, and they are widely used in various inductive applications. A fixed inductor, also known as a fixed coil, is characterized by its unchanging inductance value.

Fixed inductors

These inductors can take the form of single-layer, multi-layer, honeycomb, or magnetic core configurations. The coils are wound around a magnetic core using wire of an appropriate diameter and then encapsulated with epoxy resin or plastic, depending on the required inductance and the maximum direct current (DC) they are designed to handle.

Characteristics and Types of Fixed Inductors

A fixed inductor maintains a constant inductance value. The varieties of fixed inductors encompass air-core, iron-core, and ferrite-core types. These inductors are often more compact and easier to use compared to their variable counterparts, which makes them ideal for applications requiring a consistent inductance.

Air-core inductor: An air-core inductor is the typical inductor that one encounters, featuring a straightforward winding. This type of inductor uses air as its core material. Additionally, non-magnetic substances such as plastic and ceramic are employed as core materials.

Iron-core inductor: An iron-core inductor incorporates ferromagnetic materials like ferrite or iron as their core. The employment of these core materials significantly boosts the inductance due to their elevated magnetic permeability. Permeability is a measure of a material's capacity to facilitate the creation of magnetic fields.

Ferrite-core inductor: Inductors that feature a ferrite core within their windings are classified as ferrite core inductors. When solid metal cores are utilized in the construction of inductors, the varying magnetic field induces substantial eddy currents due to the metal's electrical conductivity. These induced currents flow within the inductor, parallel to the closed-loop of electric current.

Applications of Fixed Inductors

The function of a fixed inductor is to serve as an electronic component with a constant inductance value, which is capable of storing energy in the form of a magnetic field. It finds application in a range of electronic setups, including resonant circuits, filters, and oscillators. Additionally, fixed inductors play a role in power supplies and motor drives, where they assist with tasks such as smoothing and filtering electrical signals. The primary role of a fixed inductor within an electronic circuit is to establish a resonant circuit in conjunction with other components. This resonant circuit is crucial for tuning the circuit to specific frequencies and for maintaining the stability of the circuit's operation.